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Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding with WP

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding is one of the fastest growing winter sports in the US, somewhere between curling and ice luging. But the Colorado snowpack is dynamic and often dangerous. Even ripping skins has been known to topple the most experienced shredders. And then there are the avalanches... Let the instructors at Wilderness Pursuits show you the basics of backcountry travel- from how to use your fancy new skis to how to rip your skins like a pro. You might even get to make some sweet untouched pow turns- all while learning to travel safely in the backcountry.

We'll spend the day in the backcountry near Crested Butte learning the backcountry basics: safe travel protocols and basic avalanche awareness. After an enjoyable hike up, delight in liftline-free downhill turns. Please note that this is not a ski intensive course. Emphasis is on avalanche awareness and safe travel; participants may only get in one or two runs. Single day trip.

This class is not a substitute for a professional Avalanche Safety Course. We offer AIARE Level 1 Avalanche class through CBMG January 31-February 2 through Crested Butte Mountain Guides. Please consider enrolling in this class or a similar course if you plan on spending much time in the backcountry around here.

Pre-requisites: Beacon Clinic. Participants should be proficient in blue/black level terrain and have some experience skiing powder and unpredictable terrain. A moderate degree of fitness is a must, along with the ability to hike up to five miles in addition to downhill navigation. This is not a course for first time skiers!